hotels are equipped with TSA-type metal detectors and x-ray machines at the main entrance (all guests and luggage are scanned).
We are staying in the Kings Lodge only a few minutes outside the national park boundaries. Due to problems with poaching, etc., entry into the park is tightly controlled by the Indian Forestry Ministry. Permits are very limited and must be obtained months in advance -- passports are checked at the gate.
Bandhavgarh had been maintained as a game preserve (Shikargah) for the Maharajas of Rewa before becoming a National Park in 1968 to protect the rapidly dwindling tiger population. In addition to a small variety of mammals, there are over 250 species of birds found in the park.
Our first day was sans tiger encounter but we did find some black-faced langurs with cute babies. Bushy eyebrows, lanky limbs and a very long tail characterize these agile monkeys.
